How to care for your dive BCD

Your BCD is essential for your safety. Learn how to properly rinse the bladder, protect the valves, and store it correctly to extend its lifespan.

Your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) ensures your safety both underwater and at the surface. To maintain its performance, comfort, and longevity, proper care and maintenance are key.

Dive instructor helping a student diver adjust and fit an Aqualung BCD on a boat deck, with yellow safety equipment and dive gear visible in the background.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key steps and tips to keep your BCD in optimal condition for years to come.

Close-up of a diver rinsing and cleaning a black Aqualung BCD with fresh water after a dive, with dive equipment and a boat deck visible in the background.

1) Why should I clean my scuba diving BCD

a. Clean your BCD

Your dive BCD allows you to control your buoyancy, helping you stay neutrally buoyant and easily explore the underwater world. But salt, chlorine, UV rays, and debris can lead to wear and malfunction – such as uncontrolled ascents. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your gear, and ensures every dive is safe and enjoyable. Plus, it saves you from costly repairs or premature replacement.

Still looking for the right BCD? Check out our guide on How to choose your dive BCD to find the best match!

Two divers in Aqualung BCDs and wetsuits sitting on a dock reviewing their dive equipment together, with the ocean and moored dive boats behind them.

2) Step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining your BCD

a. How to clean my diving BCD

Whether you've been diving in open water or a pool, it is essential to clean your BCD properly to prevent the buildup of salt crystals, algae, chlorine, and other contaminants that can degrade its materials over time. If you're at a dive center, soak or rinse your gear in a freshwater tank. At home, a hose or shower works well – lukewarm water is more effective at dissolving salt.

Exterior cleaning: Rinse the entire BCD thoroughly with a moderate stream of fresh water as soon as possible after a dive. Unzip and rezip all zippers several times to prevent corrosion. Pay particular attention to purge valves and weight pockets, as these tend to trap salt and debris.

Interior cleaning: During a dive, small amounts of water enter your BCD. Over time, this water can deposit salt and contaminants inside the bladder that can crust up your dump valves and even create a puncture risk. Follow these steps to clean the inside of your dive BCD:

Manually inflate your BCD: blow air in while pressing the deflate button. Stop pressing the button between breaths. Inflate the BCD as much as possible.
Drain post dive water: turn the BCD upside down, point the inflator hose toward the ground, and press the deflate button to empty any trapped water.
Add fresh water inside: use a gentle stream of fresh water through the inflator hose, without filling it all the way.
Manually inflate again: reinflate the BCD manually.
Rinse the inflator thoroughly: rinse with fresh water, making sure to press both inflate and deflate buttons. This step is crucial, as salt or debris buildup here could cause an uncontrolled ascent.
Swirl to rinse: allow freshwater to reach all internal areas.
Drain through all outlets: empty the freshwater through each dump valve and the inflator hose, pressing both the inflate and deflate buttons. Ensure the valve or hose is at the lowest point to help water drain completely.
Repeat as needed: repeat inflating and draining as many times as necessary to ensure all water is removed.
Squeeze out excess: press the BCD against your body to help remove excess water.

Never remove dump valves to clean the inside of your BCD – doing so risks damaging gaskets, cross-threading parts during reassembly, and losing essential components. Do not spray silicone or other chemicals inside your BCD or on the oral inflator.

b. Properly drying your dive BCD

After rinsing, partially inflate your BCD to prevent the bladder walls from sticking together and causing internal damage. Avoid over-inflating, as this can put unnecessary stress on the seams. Hang your BCD in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Check it after a day or two to drain any residual water that may have settled at the bottom.

c. Best practices for storing your BCD

Proper storage helps extend the life of your scuba diving BCD between dive trips:

d. Traveling with your scuba diving BCD

When traveling with your BC, following a few simple rules can help prevent wear and tear during transport:

Want more tips on packing for a dive trip? Check out our guide on How to pack your dive gear.

Scuba diver in full Aqualung equipment descending along a vibrant coral reef, with schools of tropical fish and clear blue water surrounding them.

3) How often should I clean and inspect my BCD

a. Inspect your diving BCD regularly

Before every dive, make sure your BCD is safe and ready. Here's a quick checklist:

Visual inspection: check the BC for any damage to the bladder or valves.
Inflator test: connect the inflator hose to your air source. Press and release the button to confirm smooth airflow and proper shut off when released.
Overpressure valve (OPR): pull the cord to release air. Then, fully inflate the BCD to ensure the OPR opens automatically when overinflated and closes immediately afterward.
Oral inflator and leak test: manually inflate to check for proper airflow. Once fully inflated, disconnect the inflator and listen for leaks. If the BC deflates in 5–10 minutes or you hear leaks, don’t dive, get it serviced.
Final check: make sure the tank strap is tight, and weight pockets are securely attached.

b. Regular cleaning

Always rinse the exterior and interior of your dive BCD with fresh water after each dive, following the steps outlined earlier in this guide.

c. Deep cleaning and frequent use

Schedule a deep clean at least once a year or after an extended diving trip with multiple dives, such as a liveaboard. This process should include soaking your BCD in lukewarm water with a specialized cleaning product designed for scuba diving equipment – formulated to clean thoroughly without damaging materials or leaving harmful residues.

d. Professional servicing for your dive BCD

It’s essential to have your BCD inspected annually. The key checks include inflator functionality, dump valve integrity, and bladder condition. Always trust an Aqualung fully authorized and certified scuba technician to service your dive BCD. This ensures your dive gear meets the highest safety standards. To find a certified service center near you, check our Store Locator.

Reminder

Regular care and maintenance of your BCD are just as important as choosing the right one. By following these expert tips, your dive gear will remain in excellent working condition for the long run. A well-maintained dive BCD means safer and more enjoyable dives.